Holy Women's History Month: Esther, Queen of Persia

The short Old Testament book, Esther, tells the story of a Jewish girl who unexpectedly finds herself Queen of Persia and the last hope for the Jewish people. Admittedly, my interest in this biblical heroine was first peaked by the Veggie Tales episode (circa 2000) titled “Esther, the Girl Who Became Queen.” There is nothing that grabs your attention like the story of a beautiful green onion who has the courage to stand up to an evil gourd and powerful zucchini.  

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The Story of Esther 

The story of Esther is set in the days of the Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus, known in the Greek translation as King Xerxes (484-464 BC). Mordecai, Esther’s uncle and guardian, was a prominent Jew who served on the King’s court. During a feast, the Queen of Persia, Vashti, lost favor and was dismissed from her royal position. A decree went out that a new queen would be selected and through the King’s contention, Esther won favor and was crowned Queen.

Around that time, Haman, who had a known hatred of Mordecai and the Jews, was given high rank, and all the king’s servants were instructed to bow down and honor him. Mordecai refused, for he knew that God alone was worthy of honor. When Haman discovered this, he sought to destroy Mordecai and the Jewish people and had the King order a decree that all the Jews, young and old, including women and children, should be killed.  

King Xerxes was unaware of Esther’s nationality, but because of Haman’s power, she remained the only hope for the Jewish people. Esther feared the king and felt that her influence would be insufficient, but through Mordecai’s encouragement, fervid prayer, and humble fellowship, Esther revealed Haman’s evil plan, and King Xerxes spared the Jews and promoted Mordecai to Haman’s high rank.   

Esther’s Courage 

Esther’s story is inspiring. She finds herself in an unexpected circumstance, probably shocked and confused about the course her life has taken. She shows courage and integrity, uses her gifts, and leans on the Lord, saving her people. But like you and me, Esther needed encouragement. She doubted her influence and her ability to save her people, yet she was humble enough to listen to the words of her Uncle Mordecai. In Chapter 4, verse 14, Mordecai emboldens Esther by saying, “Who knows — perhaps it was for a time like this that you became queen.” 

I cannot tell you how many times in my life this verse comes to mind. For the Lord’s plan is perfect. He knows each of us intimately and has formed us in our mother’s womb. We are living in trying times, but the Lord makes no mistakes about our time and place. As I’ve held each of my newborn children, I know, without a doubt, that they were born for such a time as this. My prayer for them is that they may have the courage and integrity that Esther did. 

Despite her reservations and concerns, Esther recognizes the call the Lord has bestowed on her and proceeds in all the right ways.  

First, she asks for prayer. She says to Mordecai,  

“Go and assemble all the Jews who are in Susa; fast on my behalf, all of you, not eating or drinking night or day for three days. I and my maids will also fast in the same way. Thus prepared, I will go to the king, contrary to the law. If I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16) 

Second, she prays. She casts aside her royal garments and assumes a position of prayer. 

”My Lord, our King, you alone are God. Help me, who am alone and have no help but you, for I am taking my life in my hand.” (Esther 4:17) 

Finally, she approaches the king not with anger or chastisement but with fellowship. She puts on her royal attire and enters his court. She invites the King and Haman to a banquet, not once, but twice. In her second banquet, she asks,  

“If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, I ask that my life be spared, and I beg that you spare the lives of my people. For my people and I have been delivered to destruction, slaughter, and extinction.” (Esther 7:3-4a)

What We Can Learn 

Esther doesn’t storm into the king's chamber at the height of her frustration. She doesn’t allow her anger to present itself, but she approaches the king with gentleness and in fellowship, she makes a calm and reasonable case for her people. 

How often do we, as women, feel the need to prove ourselves when fighting for what is good and true? How often do we allow ourselves to lose our femininity and gentleness in order persuade? God calls us as we are and gives us what we need. 

As Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians,

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12) 

Whether encouraging others as Mordecai did or standing up for injustice as Esther did, may we recognize how to fulfill God’s will for our lives through prayer, courage, and gentleness? 

During Women's History Month, Catholic Mom writers are celebrating the women who have inspired their faith journeys — whether canonized saints, saints in progress, or beloved women from Scripture. Through personal reflections and heartfelt stories, they share how these holy women have touched their lives, offering wisdom, strength, and a deeper connection to God. Join us as we honor the spiritual legacy of these remarkable women and the lasting impact they continue to have on our hearts and souls. 

Copyright 2025 Liesl Schiavone
Images: Holy Cross Family Ministries